Pascal Dalton, a seasoned international television executive who has worked for some of the industry’s biggest distributors and producers, managing high-profile global format brands including The Voice and Big Brother and generating multi-million-pound revenue streams, has launched Shimmer Media, a new business specialising in optimising scripted and non-scripted formats across the international media landscape.
Shimmer Media aims to bring a fresh perspective to format management and monetisation – capitalising on Dalton’s big business experience and global network while delivering through a nimble, efficient and client-focused approach. And the boutique business will be so much more than assisting with format development and brokering deals. Dalton’s experience in everything from brand management and wider licensing activity to social media campaigns and tackling IP infringement allows for a 360 view, ensuring that content businesses get the best possible expert advice for their IP.
Before establishing Shimmer Media, Pascal Dalton was Head of Brand Partnerships, North EMEA (format sales) at ITV Studios, responsible for 26 territories and some of the market’s most powerful format brands, including Love Island, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, My Mum, Your Dad and Come Dine with Me. He also held the positions of Head of Partnerships, SVP of Licensing and Vice President, Global Format Sales. While in the latter role, between 2017-19, format revenue increased by more than 60%, and double-digit growth was achieved – paving the way for a smooth integration with Talpa’s distribution team in 2020. An ITV staffer for more than seven years, he worked closely with ITV Studios’ production companies in key markets such as the USA, UK, Germany, France and Australia – and directly with third-party licensees – to maximise format value in local markets and drive international deals.
Prior to ITV Studios, Dalton spent eight years with the Endemol Shine Group, rising to become Regional Sales Director, CEE, looking after scripted formats such as The Bridge and Penoza and non-scripted formats that included MasterChef, Deal or No Deal and Big Brother across 20 territories. He also played a key role in establishing The Wall production hub with Endemol Shine Poland, securing the first pre-financing deals, in what was to become one of the most successful European studio hubs to date.
Pascal Dalton, Founder of Shimmer Media, says, “The television industry is challenging us at present – as it often has done before – but this presents Shimmer and our clients with a unique opportunity. As an agile organisation, we can use our network and experience to swiftly get formats in front of the right people to meet market demand, but we can also give titles and their owners the attention they deserve. We’ll help IP owners distribute and get formats market-ready, negotiate good deals and assist them with navigating the increasingly complex rights market. And, we’ll add real value by treating formats as brands, being selective and focused on how we explore every possible opportunity – on and off-air and through relevant channels such as advertising-funded. Our experience also means we are the right people to have in your corner for infringement issues.”
“I have been fortunate enough to have contributed to growing some of the world’s best-known format brands and creating hits from initial format roll-outs. I am now incredibly excited to bring that expertise to both established companies with existing formats that need support and newer partners with fresh formats about to start their international journey.”
Officially launching ahead of London Screenings and MIPLondon, which Dalton will be attending, Shimmer hits the ground running with several clients, including All3 Media International, where Dalton has acted as a formats consultant, leading Bulgarian prodco Hidalgo Productions, where he is advising on international business strategy and the ambitious gaming and animation studio based in London, Inviox Studios, where he holds a fractional role as Chief Business Development Officer. Building on Dalton’s recent consultancy experience, Shimmer also offers broader support to owners of creative businesses, particularly independents, by collaborating on strategies for domestic and international growth.
